In Memory of Paul Walker (1973 - 2013)

If you hadn't heard by now, Fast & Furious franchise star Paul Walker was killed yesterday in a tragic car accident.  Walker was coming from a charity event for those devastated by the tsunami in the Philippines and went for a quick drive in his friend's Porsche as a passenger.

Little is known about how the accident occured, but if you've seen either photos or video from the crash, the vehicle seemingly lost control and slammed into a tree.  While first responders tried to extinguish the fire and pull both an unconscious Walker and his friend from the wreckage, they were unable to in time.

Over the past 24 hours, much has come out about the late 40 year-old actor in terms of his generosity and kindness as a human being.  Many - especially his Fast & Furious co-stars - described him as a down-to-earth, likable, easy going man who was full of life and always treated everyone with respect.

I for one can cite Paul Walker's relevance in terms of my generation, growing up in the late 90s and 2000s.

Yeah, he was the guy next to Vin Diesel who starred in 2001's The Fast and the Furious, but he was also in Pleasantville, Varsity Blues, The Skulls and the very underrated Joyride.  Films that may not mean much to someone whose in their teenage years now or currently in the 30s to 40s, but to people like myself who were growing up when these movies came out, a guy like Walker resonates with you.

But of course, how can you not bring up the Fast & Furious franchise.

Walker had appeared in every film except the 3rd, and while some might say it was Vin Diesel who turned the franchise around, I think many fans will tell you Walker's character of Brian O'Conner was the undeniable heart and soul.  Throughout the series, he was always the one who started off on one side of the tracks only to end up on the other.  No other character can say the same.

A lot's been speculated about what will happen to the currently in-production Fast & Furious 7, due out next July, and was only halfway through filming.  Walker certainly hadn't finished filming his scenes - and it's likely major rewrites must now take place - but that concern can be worried about another day.

For now, let's just come to terms with the fact that Paul Walker - an actor who has resonated with many for 15 plus years now - is gone.

Condolences to his family and friends.